LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
NRL fans are urging Channel 9 to make every effort to help Ray Warren return to the commentary team, even suggesting the installation of a modern facility at his home. The 82-year-old is a revered figure in Australian sports commentary, with NRL fans regularly lamenting the fact that he is no longer calling games.
Warren retired in 2021, capping off a remarkable career that lasted over five decades during which he covered 99 State of Origin games, 45 grand finals, and several Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and major swimming competitions. Although there were speculations about a potential comeback for his 100th Origin game, Warren has consistently declined to return to the booth.
In a recent interview on 2GB radio, 'Rabs' shared his struggles with retirement, expressing how much he misses commentary. "I am not handling it (my retirement) all that well to be honest," he told Mark Levy. "Leaving what I was doing was like cutting off my arm. (But) I was 78 when I gave it away, so I didn't have much longer to go."
While he acknowledged that he could no longer call games in person, he mentioned he might consider doing it from home. However, he expressed concerns about making mistakes that could tarnish his legacy.
"It is flattering (that people want me to come out of retirement) and I guess I love it deep down, but I don't think they realized I was 78 when I gave it away and I didn't want to undo all the good I might have done," he stated. "That's the long and the short of it. But now I sit down and think I might be able to do a call from home."
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The prospect of Warren potentially calling games from home has ignited enthusiasm among NRL fans, with numerous social media comments encouraging Channel 9 to facilitate a setup at Warren's residence.